Water flows through a spillway in the dam that creates the lake and community of Big Bear Lake, Calif., Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Record rainfall has filled Big Bear Lake to the brim this winter, forcing officials in the San Bernardino Mountain community to release water from the lake for the first time in 15 years. The Big Bear Municipal Water District said that on Monday, April 11, the lake was three inches from reaching the maximum capacity of 72 feet and 4 inches. Since December, the district has opened the flood gates several times to prevent water from spilling over. They say the recent inflow of water has improved the water quality and clarity of the lake. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)